1655

95. to William Clerke 3 Feb. 1655
… I gave you notice had freighted Mr Chalk [the Mary] for you, who
was to be ready the first of this month. But one of our wrangling owners
made some unjust exceptions to our agreement which caused a demur
upon our proceedings as to the making ready of our ship. But considering
the present times, I thought it rather prudence to condescend to that
which was none of our bargain than to contend and spend time. So have
now once more agreed for her and hope she may be ready within 10 days,
where you may expect Mr Goldsmith's goods for what he owes you and
likewise all according to the memory sent me, except Hampshire kersies
and corn which cannot be bought at your limited price. So that you may
do well to make provision against the ship's arrival. You writ me to insure
£500 upon her out and home, which I shall see performed for your
account. But by all your letters I cannot find you have gone through for
the parcel of West India goods in Santa Cruz, which, if omitted, have
done ill as times now govern in that I doubt others will carry it from you.
Mr Chalk will not carry the orders for the Newfoundland fish in that no
man will sell till past Our Lady Day, 25 March, next.

Now in regard we are like to quarrel with the Spaniards speedily, I
suppose your design will be over. So that by the very first conveyance I
desire to know what you will have done as to the fish business and how
you will dispose of Mr Chalk's ship, that I may order your business in the
best manner I can in these uncertain times. If you can get up 50 pipes of
the best sort of Santa Cruz malvasias, it will be better to send them than
leave your estate there to be seized, as I am confident it will come to that
very suddenly, here being no longer than yesterday letters of marque
granted against the Spaniard for £20,000 and, besides that, an absolute
peace concluded between our Lord Protector and the French ambassador
here. And the Genoese ambassador which is here desires our protection
against the Spaniard. Here are now 10 merchantmen laden with provisions and 5 men-of-war which go as convoys. They are to follow Gen.
Penn for the West Indies, so that as you are my very good friend and I a
well-wisher to your affairs, on sight hereof secure what you can. Per Mr
Chalk shall be more larger. The owners have bound me the ship shall not
go for Guinea, Barbados or the West Indies. …

96. to William Clerke 8 March 1655a. I have now received yours of 11 and 14 Feb. per Mr Cowse, unto which
shall give full answer. Only in the first place, I shall give you an account
how about 1 Feb., according to your earnest desire, I freighted a ship for
your account to be ready to depart from Gravesend 15 ditto, which was
Mr Chalk [the Mary]. But after a week's time, when I thought the ship
was near ready, depending upon her and no other, there wanted not an
unjust partner that objected against the agreement who drew one another
or 2 to side with him and declared positively the ship should not go to sea.
Which unhappy business hath caused such a demur to the design as it hath
lost above a month's time. The chief thing objected against was that
whereas I had freighted the ship for 10 months certain and at the
determination of said time I was to pay 8 months' freight, and if in case
the ship should miscarry within aforesaid time, no freight to be due. Now
I took the advice of a civilian in the Admiralty Court who told me my
agreement was firm, but then it would be 3 months ere I could bring it to a
trial. So considering the remedy to be worse than the disease, I thought fit
rather to condescend to that which was none of our agreement than to
spend time and hinder your intended design. So now I am bound to pay 4
months' freight after 6 months' service, and so accordingly for a longer
time, as by the charter-party will appear, to which refer you, desiring you
to see all things therein complied withal on your part. I have had a great
deal of trouble about her with the owners. With some I shall scarce have
any dealings as long as I live again. And had I not secured this ship, I
know not in all the Thames where to have furnished myself with one so fit
for your turn.

Mr Brampton [the Matthew] is now newly arrived from Malaga, being 3
months from thence sprung a leak at sea and was forced to bear up for
Lisbon. That vessel hath seen the best of her days, being now ancient. Mr
Brampton hath sold her and is now resolved to build a new frigate of 200 ts.
96b. I have written you a few hasty lines of 6 current, chiefly imports the
covert of the charter-party, which you may demand of the master. I have
laden aboard this ship, the Mary frigate, William Chalk master, a parcel
of goods for your account, according to the memory you sent me,
importing £529 ls 1d, which I hope upon their receipt will be to your
liking. As for wheat, I send none in that cannot procure any on your
limited price. Hampshire kersies, there's none made of late. My fatherin-law wrote me 4 months since for 50 pieces, but I cannot get them, only
half a score I have had by me ever since Nov. last. And as for your
wrought paragons you writ for, no Norwich man knows any such stuff,
neither could Mr Standish tell what you meant thereby. (fn. 1) There's 5 pieces
of Welsh plains more than you writ for and a small parcel of statute-lace
which was merely to fill up the trunk of stockings, no. 6, the key of which I
delivered Mr Chalk, which you may please to demand of him. I here remit
you an invoice of said goods and a bill of lading, as also a certificate for all
your goods aboard, as well mine as your cousin Charles Goldsmith's, who
would fain have had the £100 you ordered him from me, which I proffered
him several times provided he did but show me you were so much
indebted unto him, which was but reason. But he refused it several times,
and at last upon better consideration he accepted of my reasonable
proposition; and upon view of the account I found but £88 9s 6d due unto
him, which I immediately paid him, for which sum have made your
account debit. I understand he is bound away suddenly for the East
Indies. I am glad you have a full return, though long first, he was troubled
that I should be made acquainted with his non-compliance, and for doing
you a friendly office I have gone near to insure his ill-will. I have
according to your order paid Mr Ralph Standish £50 for your account, for
which have made you debit.

96c. I have in my former letters per my cousin [Richard] Chappell, Mr
Mourton and others given you ample advice of the affairs between us and
Spain, to which crave reference. Only I must needs acquaint you how
daily affairs do represent themselves in a far worse manner than formerly,
and undoubtedly there will not pass many months ere there be a general
embargo in all the King of Spain's dominions upon poor English
merchants' estates. To tell you my author, it's not proper, but I write it
with the more confidence in that I have it from the second or third man
now in England, I mean for government, which I thought fit to hint to
you. Moreover you may take notice here are now 6 ships freighted to
carry soldiers, ammunition and provisions to Gen. Penn's fleet, to touch
at Barbados and from thence for the Bay of Mexico. The news you had
from Cadiz how Gen. Blake had destroyed the French fleet is mere
flames. We have notice he is now coming for Cadiz, it's thought to
intercept the galeones that are expected and likewise those bound out.
They write from Seville, Cadiz, Madrid and Bilbao that since the
Spaniards have heard of Penn's departure for the Indies they will not pay
any of their debts, saying there will come a time speedily to balance them.
I wish you may find the Islanders to be of another mind.

I have endeavoured all what possible I can to dispose of some vidueño
wines here for your account but cannot effect it by no means. Your orders
came too late by above 3 months, and every man hath the same from their
friends. Some have proffered to load off wines at £33 per pipe since Mr
Cowse's arrival, who brings advice that vidueños are to be had for a song.

Mr Humphrey Wilkings of Rouen gives me advice this post how hath
sold your sylvester grain at 52 livres per lb. Only one seron, no. 8, proves
to be very much damnified, for which is fain to abate 20 livres per lb upon
that seron. It's a very mean price. The campechena is not sold. I think to
return it hither again. I have now sold 2 chests at 7s 6d, so there remain 2
chests in cellar, one of which is very much damnified. Mr Standish told me
it was let fall in the sea embarking at Santa Cruz [de Tenerife]. Mr
Standish sold his 2 chests of campechena at 6s and 6s 8d per lb.

96d. Now whereas you desire me to send per this ship [the Mary] a credit
for 2,000 kts of Newfoundland fish, you may take notice the price of ditto
commodity is never broken till Easter Monday, so that I cannot buy any
till that time. And to send you a credit, it's uncertain, for in case fish
should be scarce, then every ship will first deliver what they catch to their
sacks, and so your ship may return empty. Now I hope you may so order
your business as that this ship may return home in time enough to proceed
for Newfoundland from hence. In such case, for brevity of dispatch, you
may order her to unload at Dover so as she be there by the fine of June.
It's time enough, for no man will oblige himself by covenant to deliver a
kt of fish in the land before 25 Aug. at soonest, so that I shall not
adventure positively to buy any fish till the ship return or at leastwise I
hear from you. But this I will do: get a credit from my cousin John Paige of
Plymouth under hand and seal, or 2, and send them for Newfoundland,
there to meet the ship, in case I hear not from you in the interim, which I
hope I shall. Besides, I fear when you receive my letters by Richard
Chappell you will alter your fish design for Bilbao, for as things now
govern, no man will engage upon any such design. I know not how you
will approve of my acting herein. Let the success be what it will, I am sure
my intentions are very cordial as to your interests. But these uncertain
times put all men at a distraction in their affairs.

I shall, according to your order, insure £500 out and home upon this
ship for your account in hopes she will come home. If do, I pray spare my
father-in-law a little tonnage if he need it. And whereas you were pleased
to give me order to permit my father-in-law to have 10,000 pipestaves in
your ship, I find they take up much bulk, insomuch cannot carry but
15,000 of your own. Instead of that favour, I have put aboard this ship 30
odd small packs, I may say half-bales, for him, which is goods I bought
ever since Nov. last and lying upon my hand here and proper for no other
place but the Canaries. I have adventured to send it per this ship in hopes
to sell it for ready money and so to have the proceeds in ditto ship
returned, when not, to send the goods home again. For it's a madness to
land any except you are certain of a speedy disposal. Don Cristóbal de
Alvarado [Bracamonte] hath 5 small bales, for which you are to receive
80 Rs plata.

96e. I take notice of the parcel of sugar you bought. It's none of the best
commodities here. I am sorry the Caracas vessel was not permitted.
Tobacco, if good and new, is worth at present 7s per lb; hides, 10d per lb;
Campeachy wood, £25 per t; campechena, 7s; sylvester, 3s 4d; cochineal,
28s; indigo, 5s. Wines a very drug here. Here I send you a coranto from
Rouen, to which refer you.

Not else at present. Being doubtful the wind will come fair and Mr
Standish left behind, makes me abbreviate, referring you in many things
to his relating, who is able to give you an account thereof.…
[P.S.] I have not time to write my father-in-law at present. In case the ship
should depart without his letters, pray impart unto him your advice,
wherein I shall be much obliged.

97. to William Clerke 20 March 1655
… [Y]esterday here came letters from Bilbao of 10 current where the
factors in general write their correspondents here to forbear sending any
more goods in that the natives begin to deny payment of their debts and
threaten them besides, upon which the merchants now trading there have
sent an express to the Isle of Wight to stop a ship which they have bound
there laden with above 500 bales of goods.

I fear a short time now will produce a sad alteration in that yesterday
here came letters from Barbados of Gen. Penn's arrival there with his
whole fleet, who was to carry from the Caribbee Islands 12,000 men,
besides 7,000 soldiers he carried from hence. (fn. 2) It's conceived is bound for
Veracruz or Portobello. Therefore look about yourself and prevent what
in you lieth.

I would wish you to send home Mr Chalk [the Mary] though let out part
of him. However, in prosecution of your former order, I shall not fail to
send credits to Newfoundland to meet the ship there, though I think you
would scarce proceed upon that design, especially for Bilbao, except you
have a mind to lose all. Now in case Chalk come home [from Tenerife]
and that you have no further employment for him, then in such case you
may give me order to dispose of him here, which I make no question but
shall do without a farthing loss to you. All which I thought fit to signify
unto you that so accordingly you may proceed upon your business as
reason shall best guide you. I have insured upon the Mary frigate from
hence to the Canaries £500 for your account at 3 per cent. I shall hereafter
do the like sum homeward upon her for your account as you order me.…

98. to William Clerke 4 April 1655
Per this ship I shall send you a credit for 2,000 kts of Newfoundland
fish, under the hand and seal of my cousin Mr John Paige of Plymouth,
which I hope will come in due time to go by Mr Chalk [the Mary]. When
not, you may take notice I shall send another directly from hence to be
left in Newfoundland against his arrival, of the same tenor, which will be
sufficient were it for 10,000 kts. But if Mr Chalk proceed that voyage, you
must order him some other where, for at Bilbao I fear all will be naught
ere that time.

Here enclosed goes a letter for your cook from his wife, unto whom I
have paid £5 for last quarter by the direction of Mr Charles Goldsmith, so
I shall desire your approbation thereunto else I shall pay no more. The
other pray deliver Mr John Campion in his own hand, it being from a
good friend of mine. …

99. to William Clerke 14 April 1655a. My last to you was of 20 March per Mr Phillip Hyatt, since which have
not heard from you, which makes me the briefer at present. I have advice
Mr Chalk [the Mary] went out of Falmouth in good company 28 past, so I
hope may be safe arrived with you ere this. Upon which ship I loaded you
a small parcel of goods according to memory sent me except the corn and
Hampshire kersies, as also there went the goods you expected from your
cousin Goldsmith who is now gone for Surat in East India under one Mr
King who hath formerly lived in those parts.

I do very much long to hear where you are resolved to send Mr Chalk
for Newfoundland. If he goes directly from the Islands, will arrive there
as soon as the ships which went to catch the fish, for the Newfoundland
men went away with the same wind that carried Mr Chalk out of the
Channel. As yet I cannot hear of any fish bought, but it's like to be very
low in that few or no buyers appear as in other years. Men being afraid of
wars with Spain will not adventure upon such a perishing commodity in
such uncertain times. I believe it will be sold for 20 Rs per kt, which is very
cheap. Now to prevent the worst, I have procured 3 credits of one tenor
from my cousin John Paige of Plymouth to furnish Mr Chalk with 2,000
kts of fish, which is sufficient were it for 10,000 kts. One of which I here
send you. The other 2 I shall send per the first ships that are bound for
Newfoundland. Now if I receive any answers of my letters written you by
my cousin Richard Chappell how you are fully resolved to send Mr Chalk
for Newfoundland, notwithstanding the danger with Spain, then, and in
such case, I'll immediately buy the fish here, provided I hear from you
between this and 20 June next, which I hope shall. When not, I shall
conclude Mr Chalk comes not home. Nevertheless I shall insure according to your order £500 homeward, not knowing what interest you may
have in her. I have insured £500 in ditto ship upon your goods from hence
to the Canaries at 3 per cent, which may serve per advice.

99b. As to the affairs between us and Spain, I cannot write you more than
have formerly done, only every day produces things plainer as to a
breach. Here are several merchantmen freighted to carry provisions and
ammunition to Gen. Penn, whose charter-parties I have seen contracted
by the States, to say for Barbados at 50s per t, if for Santo Domingo, £4
per t, and if for the Bay of Mexico at £6 per t. In all probability in the
month of June we may hear what place they assaulted, upon which
undoubtedly you may expect an embargo.

The frigate which touched at Gran Canaria and could not be admitted
by that villainous Judge [of the Indies] is now arrived at Cadiz. She brings
1,800 chests of true Varinas tobacco. Here are 13 chests come home in a
small Orange vessel which I saw and tasted. It proves excellent. They are
sold at 7s per lb; hides, 10d per lb; logwood, £25 per t; cochineal, 25s per
lb; campechena, 7s [per lb]; sylvester, 3s 4d per lb; indigo, if good, 4s 6d
per lb; ginger, 26s per cwt; Havana sugars, £4 per cwt at most.

I do very much desire to hear from you how you intend to order your
business. Though a plentiful vintage may much tempt you, yet I would
not have you to soothe yourself with vain hopes as to think you will see
another vintage go over your heads with peace. Days past there was an
embargo in most parts of France upon all English goods and ships, but
now all is over. Though it was in Rouen, yet my correspondent's
[Humphrey Wilkings'] care was such as neither your sylvester nor
campechena was meddled withal. However, I have given him order to
dispose of your campechena grain, which I doubt will not yield £5, far less
than it's worth here.

Undoubtedly if you land your goods out of Chalk [the Mary] and do not
speedily convert them into ready money, you will lose them all. I cannot
sell a pipe of wine for your account, there being so many [wines] bound
for Barbados and the fleet and New England that I doubt they will never
see half their principal at the end of 2 or 3 years' time. Rather than I
would go upon such indirect designs, I should even run the hazard to have
them embargoed by the Spaniards. …

100. to William Clerke 10 May 1655a. … The pipestaves which I bought for you and my father-in-law, being
25,000, whereof you have 15,000 of them in Chalk [the Mary], when I
came to adjust the account with the yard-keeper of whom I bought them,
by his master's order, whereas I absolutely made a plain bargain between
him and me as I then advised you at £11 per m, the villain now affirms, and
offers to swear it, that he sold them me at £11 10s per m, whose oath will
condemn me, as being a person of no interest in them, though it be as false
as God is true, which does not a little trouble me that we should be so
cheated and know not how or which way to remedy ourselves by our laws
here.

Mr Abraham Lee of San Lucar is now come home, who, as they write
me, had not parted from those parts but that necessity drove him away
from thence. And truly it appears to be so here, in that I think hath scarce
money to put himself into English clothes. Yesterday I took an occasion
to signify unto him what I thought needful as to the injuries done you
about the protesting your bills, who acknowledged he had done you more
wrong than it was possible ever to make you restitution. To be brief, I
demanded satisfaction, or at leastwise good security; when not, in plain
English, I must enter an action against him as being your order. To which
he answered with many protestations and vows that no man should have
satisfaction before you, pretending a great sum due to him at Barbados,
which I scarce believe as liable, for there's little credit to be given to
persons that have once lost their credit and reputation. Now if I should
put him in prison, I have no articulation against him nor papers, as the
bills protested, nor any of his letters. So that undoubtedly he will nonsuit
me if I put not in a declaration against him the first term. Besides, if I
could do all what might be desired as to the proof, really I see little
probability of recovery, so that I shall expect your further order until I
meddle with him, except I can discover that he hath anything or that he be
refractory in denying you a bond or the like. Of this, more in my next. In
the interim, I desire your advice and papers as to this business.

100b. I intend now to send away a second credit for Newfoundland for
the buying of Mr Chalk's [the Mary's] fish where I believe you will
have it very cheap, under 20 Rs per kt. However, if I hear not from
you by the fine of this month, I shall insure £500 on him from Tenerife
to London according to your former order, which as yet you never
contradicted it.

Here's now come the Marques de Lede, Governor of Dunkirk, at
Dover as extraordinary ambassador from the King of Spain unto our
Lord Protector, they say merely to give him the compliments of his
government. If for peace, I doubt comes too late. Gen. Penn was setting
sail with 35 sail of ships from Barbados 28 March, it's said bound for
Havana first. He carries from the Caribbee Islands 8,000 planters besides
6,000 soldiers from hence [See 97]. And now here are 8 gallant men-ofwar going to him with some soldiers for a second supply, so that you may
see our Protector is resolved to carry on his design vigorously, as indeed
he does most what he takes in hand. Here is letters from Madrid where
they write the dispatch ship is arrived at Cadiz 17 April and left the
galeones and flota within 80 leagues of aforesaid port, which is good news.
I could wish you at Tenerife had 2 or 3 of their ships there whereby
you might be able to make home something in these dangerous times.
Indigo not worth 3s 10d per lb; cochineal, 22s per lb; hides, 9½d per lb;
Campeachy wood, £22 per t.

I am now about your account, only want one from Mr [Robert] Turner
[Paige's former landlord and bookkeeper], whom by fair means cannot
get any from him. It hath so troubled me that I have not answered your
expectations in that particular, or that you should write so often for it,
that of late I have even pined away with mere vexation. Now that you may
not fail of it speedily and that I may not omit to make you good everything
sent and remitted me, I desire you to send me a charge of all which you
needed not to have done had Mr Turner perfected with me. …

101. to William Clerke 25 May 1655
Since the writing of my [last] letter, here is come a contradiction of the
galeones' coming this season, as I question not but you have heard of the
same per Mr Hussy who, as I understand, is bound from Cadiz to the
Islands. All sorts of West India goods do rise very much at present upon
the said news: hides, 10d per lb; Campeachy wood, £26 per t; cochineal,
30s per lb; campechena, 7s; sylvester, 3s 6d; indigo low, being great
quantities come from East India, 4s per lb; Varinas tobacco, if new, 6s per
lb; ginger and sugar very low.

I have sent per Giles Paynter another credit for 2,000 kts codfish to
deliver unto Mr Chalk [the Mary] at Newfoundland, as being a trusty
friend. You need not fear it will be far more to your advantage than if I
had bought the fish here. …

102. to Gowen Paynter and William Clerke 31 May 1655
These are chiefly to give you notice how yesterday Mr Chalk [the Mary]
is safely arrived at Dover and how I intend, according to Mr. Clerke's
order, to dispatch him away for Newfoundland within this 8 days, to load
fish and so for Bilbao. I have likewise news of Mr Mourton's [the
Agreement's] arrival at Dublin where there's no market for his wines, so I
have ordered him to come for London. I have not time at present to write
you particularly, but if this ship be windbound in the Downs any longer, I
shall next post. …

103. to William Clerke 1 June 1655
I have yours per Mr Mourton [the Agreement] and Mr William Chalk in
the Mary frigate who, thanks be to God, is safe arrived in Dover 3 days
since, where I have given my correspondent, Mr Michael de Haze, order
to unload all such goods as you have aboard, which I hope will be speedily
done. Only for want of invoice I know not how to give direction for an
entry of your sugars, you not mentioning the quality of them, how many
whites and muscovados, which will put us to some trouble. According to
your order I have given Mr Chalk direction to make ready his ship
whereby to be ready 10 current to proceed for Newfoundland. I am at
present upon buying his fish and hope to get it at 20 Rs per kt, which is 15
per cent cheaper than other years. In all things I shall promote your
interest as if it were really mine own, of which rest confident. Your sugars
come to a low market, and I am informed by a man of judgement that
your sarsaparilla is of a wild sort. If so, it will yield little. Three days hence
I purpose to make a journey for Dover when I shall carry with me his
[Chalk's] dispatches for Newfoundland. As yet no sacks are gone out of
England, so I hope Mr Chalk will be gone one of the first. Mr Chalk sent
me your order to have it priced, out of which I observe some necessary
things for my better government. As to your affairs, your not sending me
a particular memory of what goods and money are aboard does put me to
a nonplus. As yet the master hath sent me none. I have given Mr Chalk
order to deliver no money chest, trunk, nor box until I come down, for I
doubt there's more money than you writ of and it's no reason the ship
should be other men's carrier for nothing.

I hear the Governor [and Capt. General of the Canaries, Don Alonso
Davila y Guzman] hath sent for you prisoner. I doubt it will be a
troublesome business to you. Though you are no ways faulty, yet it must
needs cost you money. I am vexed that Mr Chalk should so carry himself
like a fool, being an ancient commander and knowing the dangers of such
things. (fn. 3) Your bill of £120 I have accepted to Mr John Thomas, which shall
be duly paid at the time.

Our fleet went from Barbados 30 March consisting in all 70 sail. We
expect to hear of their success about the middle of next month, at which
time I doubt you will see sad alterations.

Mr Chalk did arrive here before I expected him. The same day I heard
of his arrival I caused a policy to be made upon him for you. But by good
chance there was nothing underwritten, so you have so much money
saved. Yet I must confess I do not deserve thanks for it, but rather to be
chided in not doing it sooner. …

104. to William Clerke Dover, 8 June 1655
I have written you already per this conveyance, to which crave
reference. I formerly gave order to my correspondent here, Mr Michael
de Haze to unload your goods out of Mr Chalk [the Mary] and send them
me for London, which is this day completed. I came yesterday to this post
merely to give Mr Chalk his dispatches for the Newfoundland, which I
have now done with an additional order to yours in that the other I find
not to be so full as the present occasion requires, times being dangerous. I
have bought [of George Kennicot and company] for your account 1,500
kts of fish to be delivered at Newfoundland 10 Aug. 1655 at 19 Rs per kt.
The rest I have given Mr Chalk credit to buy at price current of the
country, which I verily believe will be very reasonable in regard of the
probability of a war with Spain. All men are fearful to deal in the
commodity, which makes it low at present, as you may well perceive at
the price I have bought at, which is above 15 per cent cheaper than any
year since I came to England.

I have ordered Mr Chalk to go for Santona first and there to give notice
of his arrival, and to know how squares [i.e. the game] go from some of
our nation before undertaking to go over the bar of Bilbao. For though
you are assured your fish may be free though a war, yet I must tell you as
an owner that we know in such case our ship will be lost, so in prudence
we hold it fit to prevent the worst.

I have perused your order to Mr Chalk, which utterly denies that he did
anything without your order and admires you would offer to put pen to
paper to write any such thing when as you sent part of Mr Rawdon's
things aboard in your bark, which is his answer. [Cf. 103, 118.] …
[P.S.] If you will have anything insured on Chalk from Newfoundland to
Bilbao, advise me. And likewise it would be necessary you writ me 2 lines
which way Mr Chalk shall go in case of war, as I doubt it will be. Your
wines aboard Chalk prove miserable trash, and your sarsaparilla is of a
wild sort so will yield little, which may serve per advice.

105. to William Clerke 14 June 1655
… I have bought [of George Kennicot and company] 1,500 kts of
Newfoundland fish for your account at 19 Rs per kt to be delivered Mr
Chalk [the Mary] 10 Aug., which is the soonest of most men's. What he
shall want more to fill up his ship I have given him a credit of my cousin
John Paige of Plymouth for 2,000 kts in case the ship which I have bought
abovesaid fish of should miscarry. According to your desire I rid post
down to Dover last week to give Mr Chalk his dispatches for Newfoundland, with an additional order to yours, which I did accomplish and left
him ready to depart with the first opportunity of wind and weather that
should present. But being contrary, is now gone into the Downs where
will have good company out Channel. He will be one of the first sacks out
of England if please God send a speedy fair wind.

Your sugars, wine and sarsaparilla are now come into the river in 2
small barks which brought it up from Dover. All which comes to a very
bad market. The sugars are generally coarse and moist, and the wines
miserable trash, and your sarsaparilla of a wild sort, as I am informed. So
that I fear all will lie upon my hands unsold this long time. And from
Newfoundland I must expect £1,000 in bills of exchange upon me for the
fish and £400 for freight of 6 months. And your campechena in Rouen
unsold, so that I shall find myself short in cash. Nevertheless, God
sending me health, all things shall be complied withal. Only I would
desire you to draw no more money upon me for the reasons abovesaid.

It would be necessary you write Lazaro de Ormacho [at Bilbao] and me
2 lines which way Mr Chalk shall proceed with his fish in case we should
have a war before he arrives at Santona, which in all probability we shall.
In such case you know the ship cannot go in over the bar of Bilbao with
safety. Therefore it concerns you to give timely notice about it. I writ you
a few hasty lines from Dover of 8 current per Mr Crispe to this purpose,
unto which crave reference.

Our new Spanish ambassador extraordinary, the Marques de Lede, is
to go home for Flanders next week without doing anything with our Lord
Protector, all which tells us that we shall have a sudden change. I can now
speak it of a certain how our fleet are gone first for Santo Domingo and
from thence proceed for some part of the Main. I believe both the King of
Spain and we here shall have notice of their success ere next month pass
over our heads.

Methinks you at the Canaries are very confident of getting off next
vintage fruits, else you would not act as you do, which I fear you will be
much frustrated of your expectations. Advise me where you will have
anything insured upon Chalk's cargo of fish. If it should so fall out that
you abide there in peace till vintage, seeing you are resolved to load home
Chalk with wines, let them be very excellent else you had better knock
out their heads, for I think here are bad wines enough for this 3 years
already. Never stand for 2 or 3 ducats in a pipe nor a little extraordinary
order of payment. The market here will pay for all if prove good, which
may serve per advice.

106. to William Clerke 7 Aug. 1655a. My last unto you was per Mr William Cowse who went from Falmouth
about 5 weeks since, in whose company Mr Chalk [the Mary] went out the
Channel, with whom was above a month windbound in the Downs, yet he
[Chalk] went away with the fleet of sacks bound for Newfoundland, and I
hope he will get there in a very seasonable time to take in his fish. They
are bound to deliver it 10 instant, and undoubtedly he is there ere this
time, so that his coming home will not any way hinder your fish design.

I have now made sale of your white sugars which find to be 60 chests, I
say 62 chests, at £4 8s per cwt, I paying the excise which is 5 per cent, to be
paid for them at 3 months' time, which I look upon as no bad sale
considering the quality of them. They were very damp, miserable ware. I
believe you will say the same. For want of an invoice I was very much
pushed for their tares, so we are agreed to allow the same as Mr Nicholas
Warren did give upon Mr John Webber's parcel, which I conceive were of
the same sugars. Now there remained 52 chests of your parcel which
prove to be muscovados, which are no vendible commodity here,
Barbados sugars worth but 37s per cwt. Upon which I resolved to send
them for Amsterdam where, I thank God, they are safe arrived, as per
advice from thence this very post. I have ordered my correspondent, Mr
John Schanternell, to make sale of them if can make out but 56s per cwt
sterling money, considering the exchange. For here is now arrived above
1,000 ts of sugars from Barbados, and many whites, and here is daily more
expected. It's a thing scarce to be credited that little island loaded off
above 10,000 ts per annum which cloys most parts of Europe. As for your
sarsaparilla, it's of a wild sort. I believe I shall never make so much off it
as to pay freight, custom and charges.

I have now paid your bill of exchange for £120. Pray draw no more at
present for I shall have bills on me for your account for Chalk's cargo of
fish and freight to the value of £1,500 or thereabouts, which I must get
money in a readiness to pay in Oct. next. As yet not any of campechena at
Rouen sold, neither does it advance in price 5 livres per lb. I have received
an account of the sylvester [sold at Rouen] which does by no means please
me. The custom and charges are extravagant. No more there if I may have
my way. I shall now give him [Humphrey Wilkings at Rouen] order to sell
the campechena grain whereby I may have monies in a readiness against
the Newfoundland bills come. In all things I shall promote your interest as
if it were really my own.

106b. I wish when Mr Chalk comes to Bilbao he find no embargo there.
But I ordered him to stay at Santona before he venture off the bar. I have
perused your orders to the master but do not find any proviso in case
troubles at Bilbao that cannot have pratique, or embargoes, to what other
place he shall proceed unto, which had been a very necessary clause.
Gen. Blake lies now off Cape Santa Maria with his fleet, supposed waiting
for the galeones, which, do molest them, undoubtedly an embargo will
suddenly follow. The fear of which hath caused no less than 30 factors to
come away from Cadiz, San Lucar and Seville, who are now arrived here
and at Plymouth, with whom I have had some discourse, demanding the
reasons of their coming away, who give for answer that if Gen. Blake
meet the galeones and take but one of them, common people's rage are
such as that their lives will run a great hazard. If they come this year,
either they are safe in Spain or taken by our fleet ere this time, so a short
time will discover what passeth as to that grand danger.

Our fleet under the command of Gen. Penn landed their forces near
Santo Domingo 13 May, who unexpectedly were shamefully repulsed by
an inconsiderable number of the Spaniards, so were forced to retreat
aboard ship. And from thence they went to a little island 80 leagues to
leeward called Jamaica which they have taken and are there. So I fear our
hopeful design will not be crowned with that victory as most men expected.

Here are freighted many ships for the vintage, so you may do well to
provide your parcel in time, for I can tell you peradventure more than
you know there. Assuredly you will have a great crowd when the vintage
ships arrive there. I wish Mr Chalk's design may prove successful to
you. But in my weak judgement, to deal in a perishing commodity in an
uncertain time as this is, there cannot be much ground for it. Besides,
though you have never so quick dispatch at Bilbao, yet you cannot have
her [the Mary] there to load home the first wines. And at the best of
markets, though you sell for 50 Rs vellon per kt, yet you shall scarce see
your money, considering the freight of the ship, as you have her per
month.

Here are letters via Dunkirk of 4 July where several men write of Mr
Campion's death and likewise how wickedly poor Mr [John] Chickley
and Robert Smith were butchered by those villains. God grant you and
the rest get safe away from them. It hath not been my happiness to receive
a line from you nor my father-in-law per ditto via, at which I admire at.
Capt. Russell is come from the East Indies [on the Katherine]. Hath made
us a good voyage. I have [heard] we shall clear £100 per each 1/16. I have
freighted him for the vintage. I hope if Chalk come there in time, you and
my father-in-law will come home in the Katherine frigate. This vessel [the
Agreement, Capt. Mourton] I send my father-in-law, being our own, with
a few pilchards which cost near 11s per m—a shame to write of such a
thing. …
[P.S.] If you will have anything insured on the Mary frigate from the
Canaries to London, advise me.

107. to William Clerke 13 Sept. 1655
I have written you at large per Mr Mourton [the Agreement] and Capt.
Gravis Russell [the Katherine], to which crave reference. In my last gave
you notice how with much difficulty and entreaty, as Mr Humphrey
Isham can inform you, I had the promise of 25 ts in this ship Prosperous
whereof Christopher [recte Matthew] Smith is master; but when came to
seal charter-party, I could obtain but 20 ts, which they are obliged to take
in. Which tonnage I charge upon you for your own proper account, and
accordingly I desire you to see it complied withal. There wants 30 ts to
make up the 50 which you advised for, which I make no question but you
will have enough there were it for a greater quantity and upon
reasonabler terms than I am to give for this, which is £4 15s per t.

I have laden aboard ditto ship for your account 6,000 of pipestaves,
excellent good as ever I saw. I had entered 6 ends of goods upon her for
your account and sent them for Gravesend after the ship, but Mr
[Humphrey] Isham [a mariner on Smith's Prosperous], contrary to his
promise, went away half a day before they came down, so are returned
me again. And here at present I know of no ship bound that way, which
troubles me that after I have taken a great deal of pains, having but 14
days to dye and make them ready, and most of that time was rainy
weather so that I could not get the goods dry. There's 2 bales Welsh
cottons, one bale Welsh plains, 2 bales bays, and the calicoes; ozenbrigs
nor Hampshire kersies not to be got upon so short warning.

Here is news from Newfoundland of 30 July where they write the ships
have made very bad voyages and fish at 23 Rs per kt. By what I gather Mr
Chalk [the Mary] is arrived there. They writ from Bilbao this post
abundance of Basques arrived with fish there. You may do well to provide
Chalk's lading of wines in time.

[P.S.] Here is arrived Capt. Crispe but not a line from you.

108. to William Clerke 28 Sept. 1655a.… [I] have written you per Mr Christopher [recte Matthew] Smith
master of the ship Prosperous, which ship is gone out of the Downs about
10 days since, notwithstanding the freighters gave him notice of the
embargoes which were laid upon all Englishmen's estates in Bilbao and
San Sebastian 10 current and conceived to be all over the King of Spain's
dominions. So that he and all the rest which were at that time in the Isle of
Wight, about 16 sail bound for the Canaries, which had likewise notice
thereof, do even deserve to have no freight, it being one of the most
wilfullest acts that ever was committed by men to go away in that manner
against sense or reason when they were sufficiently forewarned of the
embargo and how impossible it was for any man to comply with their
tonnage in such dangerous times.

I have received a letter from Mr Chalk [the Mary] of 9 Aug., from
Newfoundland, which was the very day he arrived there, where he writes
me had notice of the ship which he was to receive 1,500 kts fish of by
contract, which seems was 50 leagues from him, where he intended to ply
with the first wind, not losing any time. Neither if he had arrived sooner
could have been sooner dispatched in that the fish generally was then
scarce ready to be delivered. He writes me the ships have made, most of
them, bad voyages and fish worth there 23 to 24 Rs per kt, a thing very
unexpected. I did once think it would have been bought in the land under
18 Rs in regard there went but few sacks this year. I conceive he may be
near Bilbao by this time.

I conceive he will stop at Santona before he goes in over the bar and
know how squares [i.e. the game] go. I wish you may have given such
ample orders there to your correspondent as that there may be a right
understanding in the business. I cannot find by those orders which you
gave Mr Chalk that in case of war you make any proviso where else to go,
which I could wish you had inserted something to that purpose. For if he
go in over the bar, the ship will be lost; and if he stay at Santona, I
question where they will admit him pratique as to land his fish there.
Besides, that will be a dangerous place to ride for San Sebastian men-ofwar, as most men say it, know the place. God direct them for the best.
Really it troubles me as much as if were my own interest. If I hear that Mr
Chalk delivers the fish at Bilbao or thereabouts unto your order and
proceeds for the Canaries to you, then according to your order I shall get
insured £1,000 on him homewards for your account, which I fear will be at
high rates as times now govern, for undoubtedly there will be a great
many men-of-war out from Dunkirk, Ostend, and San Sebastian, besides
Brest. So that if you take my counsel, it will not be amiss to insure more,
in regard there will be a good sum due for freight which must be paid
though she miscarry, as per the charter-party you may see, every 6
months.

But I cannot imagine how you can have pratique to unload her fish nor
load wines except you have more than ordinary favour; which, if you
chance to obtain and load him with wines, they will come to an
extraordinary occasion here, for since the news of the embargo wines are
risen £5 per pipe. I have 120 pipes at present upon my hands which I hope
to make a very considerable advance on them according to their quality.
Though yours in Chalk were miserable trash, yet I hope to advance you
£50 upon that small parcel.

108b. I have paid your Spanish bills [of exchange], £100 and £90 unto Mr
Fernando Body, and £50 unto Mr [John] Thomas. I wonder you would
draw so on me knowing I am next month to pay above £1,100 for Chalk's
[the Mary's] fish and about £400 for his 6 months' freight, when as I have
not received a penny to this day of all the goods he brought home, besides
the goods which I bought for you to go in [Capt. Matthew] Smith [the
Prosperous] which lie now upon my hands for your account. So that I shall
be in disburse for you, which, in regard you are my old friend, I cannot
stand for small matters. I have spoken with Mr [Abraham] Lee who is not
worth the clothes on his back. If possible, I'll get his bond for your debt
and advise you what passeth.

I have received a memory of what freight you expect from Mr Chalk
last voyage, which comes far short of what you writ at Mr Chalk's arrival
there. Pray get a paper under his hand what goods he received and then
I'll make him allow for it. When he arrived, I knew not what he brought
so I was fain to take his word in regard had no particular from you.

As to your skin of sylvester at Rouen which should be damnified, I have
in my possession at present a certificate by a public notary which certifies
the same which I writ you and the abatement. And for my part, I have that
confidence in my correspondent there [Humphrey Wilkings] that the
thing is real. And for the chest of campechena which fell in the sea at
Santa Cruz [de Tenerife], you need not wonder at its being damnified, for
Mr Standish saw it in my warehouse and did once cast a lot for it in regard
he had 2 chests in the parcel; but it fell to you for to have it, and he said
before we cast lots it was not reason that same chest should be put upon
him, being damnified. So that he might have satisfied you of that doubt if
he had been pleased, seeing you so much question my information. I
wonder he did not blush when he writ the letter which you dictated. I have
not time to write him 2 lines at present about it, but he must acknowledge
his error else I shall scarce be in charity with him. My carriage to him here
deserved no such acting, neither do I value any man's malice a rush in that
way. With comfort I may say it, to you nor no man else I never writ a lie as
to the sale nor quality of their goods. Neither would I have Mr Clerke nor
no friend else to make use of me an hour longer than he shall find me
derivate [sic] from the truth or act those things which becomes not an
honest man.

Other things there are in your letter of 5 July which I should answer,
but time will not give me leave at present, this ship being in the Downs
before ever I knew of her going. So crave your excuse and in my next shall
give full answer thereunto. …

109. to William Clerke 9 Oct. 1655
These are chiefly to give you notice how I have written you at large per
Mr Owen who goes over in this ship. Which letter I sent into the Downs
with another for my father-in-law which I have notice was delivered, and
accordingly you may be pleased to demand it of him. I knew not of this
ship's going till she was past Gravesend.

Here are several ships come from Malaga without any lading. And Mr
Chamlett and 2 ships more, which went from hence for Bilbao laden with
pack-goods about a month since, are now returned back again with their
lading they carried out, with much difficulty in that the Spaniards used
many tricks to betray them. So I know not what Mr Chalk [the Mary] will
do when he arrives there. I hope you have given larger orders than those
you sent home by him. …

110. to William Clerke 14 Dec. 1655a. I have not written you a long time for want of conveyance, neither have
I heard from you since the unhappy [Spanish] embargo, understanding
you were then in Gran Canaria. I wish your absence from home at that
time tend not to your prejudice. I am now to give you notice how about a
month since Mr Chalk [the Mary] arrived into the harbour of Plymouth
with his lading of fish, having been 4 days in Santona road where he put
his son ashore to give notice unto Lazaro de Ormacho how his father was
there waiting his order, though at that time there was an embargo. But his
son not returning, being kept prisoner for some days, he came away with
6 ships more. And since, his son that was left ashore is now come home in
a Fleming, with whom I have had some discourse, who told me that he
was with said Lazaro de Ormacho and delivered him a letter from his
father, and said Ormacho answered nothing but patience, never so much
as endeavouring to get the fish ashore. Nor did he make any reckoning of
the business, very much slighting it. So that I know not what to do in the
business. The ship lies upon charge and the fish decaying, and I have no
order where to send her. And if had, I know not of any market within or
without the Straits. Never was there such loss upon codfish designs as this
year. Notwithstanding a war, at Cadiz it's sold at 27 Rs plata per kt, and
here fish is not worth 18 Rs per kt. Neither will the owners abate me a
farthing of the freight, so I expect they will sue me in the Admiralty
Court. I thank God all the business that I have in the world does not
trouble me so much as this. Neither do I know which way to act. If should
send her for the Canaries, I doubt she will not be admitted pratique, being
the commodity will discover she is an English ship.

Here is arrived Mr Charles Saunders empty, per whom I was in hopes
to have heard from you. Seeing Mr Chalk was not arrived there [at
Tenerife] at his coming away, you might well imagine that he had some
impediment in his dispatch at Bilbao. Your too much confidence of
Lazaro de Ormacho will tend much to your damage. It was ever my
counsel to you for to desist meddling in a perishing commodity, especially
in uncertain times. But what will it avail now to hint these passages? It will
rather add affliction to affliction. So I shall forbear insisting on this
particular.

110b. The last week our Lord Protector ordered that a price should be put
on all wines, which we expect will come out next week at 8d per pint of
Canary and 4d French wine. The noise of which hath made wines fall 50
per cent here, so that the poor merchant is ruined abroad and at home. I
hope the next ships will bring me some lines of yours that I may know how
to dispose of Mr Chalk. Hides, 10d per lb; cochineal, 26s per lb;
campechena 7s [per lb]; sylvester, 3s 4d [per lb]; indigo a drug, 4s per lb;
Campeachy wood, £35 per t; good new Varinas tobacco, 8s per lb.

We have now 40 sail of gallant men-of-war going to lie off the Spanish
coast to wait the galeones' coming. Gen. Blake goes Commander-inChief. No hopes of any composure. Our peace with France proclaimed
last week in great pomp, so I fear the Spaniard will down apace. There go
10 sail men-of-war to Jamaica to join with the rest there already, and it's
conceived we shall land some forces in Flanders this summer, being in
confederacy with the French.

Amongst all the ships at the Canaries I cannot hear what the
Prosperous, Mr Smith, doth. I hope you will not let it come home dead
freight, being so small a quantity of tonnage. I am informed my very good
friend Mr George Jennings is arrived in Santa Cruz [de Tenerife] from
Havana with a large parcel of hides. If it be your chance to see him, pray
present my kind respects unto him and that I much rejoice at his good
success and safe arrival. If I hear not from you per next ship, I shall
resolve to send you Mr Chalk with his fish, not knowing where else to
send him. Therefore, you may do well to make some kind of provision.
West India goods will be in better esteem than wines by far …

111. to William Clerke 29 Dec. 1655a. … Three days since I received yours of 9 present per your servant
Thomas Leigh, where I expected to have received from you an ample
order for the disposing of your fish aboard Mr Chalk's ship [the Mary] or
to what place should send it, which in reason you might have done.
Considering that you had no news of him at the writing of your letter, you
might very well conjecture all was not well at Bilbao. But your overmuch
confidence of Lazaro de Ormacho did, I fear, drown your reason else
surely you would have fallen in better account of the business than you
did. But opening your letter and finding nothing what in reason I
expected, I found myself in a worse condition than before, wishing that I
had never had a hand in the business, being like to prove so unfortunate.
And perusing of your letters, I find, per Mr Chamlett and others, you
forewarn me not to act anything but what you shall order me, which was a
sufficient caveat for me to sit still till had your order. But considering how
the ship lies upon charge and her lading a perishing commodity and how
highly it did import you to have this ship at the Canaries as affairs now
govern, I have resolved with myself to run the hazard of receiving from
you another check by acting contrary to your order and to send her unto
you with her lading of fish, which is 1,710 kts as per bill of lading will
appear, though no man besides myself would do it. And for the better
carrying on the design, I have sent down your servant Thomas Leigh post
to Plymouth to go upon her, who hath received from me several
instructions whereby at his arrival at Orotava he order things in a right
way, a copy of which you may please to order him to send you ashore. I
have made a passport for the ship in a very ample manner with a seal and
firm, calling the ship the St Peter of Monnikendam, whereof is skipper
Peter van Bruge, burthen 60 lasts, consigned to Sr Diego Pereyra, the
Customer, for the accounts of Srs Don Luis Pereyra and Don Rodrigo
Gomez Dias of Antwerp, which I know to be Diego Pereyra's correspondents and great friends. I have ordered the Dutch master to
declare he brings but 5 or 600 kts of fish and that it was brought into
Monnikendam as prize. Said Diego Pereyra hath a formal letter and bill
of lading for 1,700 kts for account of abovesaid of Antwerp which the
skipper is to carry ashore at his first arrival with the passport. So I have
done my part. Pray God give good success thereunto, and hereafter you
may not be so strict in your orders to such as you know and have had
experience of, as you have had of me. I hope the fish will come to a very
good occasion, there having none gone this year. But you must give order
that it be carefully landed else they will spoil, it having been so long
aboard. I wonder the ship could take in no more at Newfoundland, but I
fear the master and company have too large a proportion, of which you
may take notice thereof and advise me.

111b. You days past sent me a memory of all such goods and monies as
were laden aboard Mr Chalk [the Mary] last voyage, which is more than I
received freight for here. Therefore you may do well to adjust there with
him and send it me under his hand, else he will deny it here. I have
ordered my cousin John Paige to get 4 Flemings at Plymouth to go in the
ship, which are to row the boat ashore at their first arrival. So I hope for a
small composition you will have her admitted; after which is done, my
earnest desire unto you is that you will immediately, without the loss of
any time, unload the ship and likewise endeavour her speedy dispatch for
the several reasons which I shall give you. First, you may take notice that
there are from several places, to my knowledge, 4 ships bound that way
which in all probability may arrive there within a week of this ship.
Secondly, Mr Breton advises me from Madrid of 2 current how there's a
new General going for the Canaries, which may be there as soon as this
comes to hand, who is a rigorous man and a great enemy to our nation. (fn. 4)
And thirdly, Gen. Blake is now ready with his fleet bound for the coast of
Spain whence undoubtedly he will do acts of hostility, upon which the
Spaniards will put to public sale all the embargoed goods and take stricter
courses with you. All which things considered, it more than ordinarily
concerns you not to lose an hour's time; and if possible can get a
chapman, sell your codfish, though under the assize.

Now as in my former, so I confirm it again, our Lord Protector had
ordered no Spanish wines shall be sold for above £26 per pipe or butt and
French wines, £20 per t. So that in regard there are 2 West Indiamen
arrived there and hides so great a commodity here and in Rouen, 40 per
cent higher as per the coranto I here send you which came this day to my
hands, you will do well to load as many of ditto commodity as you can,
and, on the other side, as few wines as can. And if it should so fall out that
you load not all the ship, pray let my father-in-law have the refusal of it. I
shall make some insurance outwards upon this ship and likewise
homewards for your account. Campeachy wood, £30 per t. In regard of
our fleet's lying upon the coast of Spain, I believe you will have store of
West Indiamen at the Islands, but the first goods that arrive here will
come to the only market.

I have furnished your servant Thomas Leigh with about £20 for your
account per clothes, postage and provisions, which he may give you an
account thereof. The owners of this ship and I am like to have a suit in law
about Mr Chalk's coming away from Santona, except some honest men
end it by way of reference [i.e. arbitration], [which] I think better than
going to law. During Mr Chalk's being with you, have a care what you do.
You may write Thomas Leigh what you will have done for he and the
owners are upon the ketch with me and have been all along. You be
confident I shall not see your interest any way left for want of diligence.
What you may write Chalk is that you are much damnified by his coming
from Santoña and that you will not pay for his lying at Plymouth.

All the ships that loaded this vintage are arrived, God be praised,
though none come into the river. Only [the Endeavour], Mr [William]
Jop, was taken by 4 men-of-war 30 leagues off Tenerife, supposed to be
Frenchmen bound for the East Indies which went out of Nantes 2 months
since, before the peace was made.

The enclosed for my father-in-law pray deliver with your own hand. No
person else hath any letters in the ship. If, with the effects you have in the
Island and the proceeds of this ship's fish, you could load 2,000 hides, you
would make a brave business, which I hope you will be able to accomplish
very well.

Mrs Leigh was yesterday at my house, who made a very great
complaint unto me of you concerning the money you received of Mr
[John] Turner for her account and would fain have me to have paid her
£50 or £100 for your account. I told her had no order, but that would not
serve till I told her you had no effects in my hands. Pray per this ship give
her order of payment, for I have partly engaged my word you shall do it.
Thus, with my kind respects to yourself, hoping to see you here speedily, I
commit you to God. …

[P.S.] I shall not send Capt. Russell [the Katherine] nor any other ship
from hence. Therefore you may expect no tonnage, neither do I know
how shall send your goods or pipestaves at present.

Footnotes

1. In the 1640s John Turner at Tenerife had imported red Turkey paragons which he
described as a 'new stuff' much used in Tenerife to make riding jackets (C. 110/151, J.
Turner to R. Wilson, Sr and M. Bradgate, 25 Feb. 1646).

2. Penn had about 7,000 regulars, but raised only about 1,200 additional troops in the
Lesser Antilles (The Narrative of General Venables, ed. C. H. Firth (Camden Society,
new series, 60, 1900), xxviii, 122).

3. Clerke had been imprisoned at Tenerife apparently because Spanish officials had
discovered that Capt. Chalk was loading silver for London. Cf. 118.

4. Breton's report was ill founded. Don Alonso Dávila y Guzmán had become the Capt.
General in 1650 and served until 1659 (Viera y Clavijo, op. cit., ii, 786).